‘In the Heights’ features three in Gunner family
Three members of the Gunner family — Nolen Rose, from left, Christian and Christopher — are performing in “In the Heights,” presented by Lyrique Music Productions. CONTRIBUTED
Christopher Gunner portrays Usnavi in Lyrique Music Productions’ presentation of “In the Heights.” CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Christopher Gunner will reprise his lead role in Lyrique Music Productions’ rendition of “In the Heights.”
In Bob Jones Patriot Players’ 2015 production, Christopher also portrayed Usnavi, a bodega owner in NYC’s Washington Heights who dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic. Recently, Christopher saw playwright/actor Lin Manuel Miranda (also creator of “Hamilton”) perform and will blend Miranda’s style into his rendition.
Joining Christopher on stage are his mother Christian Gunner and sister Nolen Rose Gunner. Christian, theatre teacher at Monrovia Middle School, is Abuela Claudia, the grandmother. A seasoned actress, Christian has appeared in “Sound of Music,” “Annie,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Grease.”
Fifteen-year-old Bob Jones student Nolen Rose is a featured dancer and portrays young Claudia. Nolen enjoys extra time with family on- and off-stage but doesn’t like “my mom practicing her accent around the house.”
“The best part about doing a show with family is getting to practice at home,” Christopher said. “The worst … HAVING to practice at home.” Their father/husband Michael Gunner is assistant principal at Rainbow Elementary School.
“I wanted to be with my kids this one last chance. This show offered the perfect opportunity,” Christian said. “I feel so lucky my kids love theatre as much as I do.”
“In the Heights” won the Tony for “Best Musical” in 2008. A study in patience and faith, the characters struggle with failures and rejections “but find hope and love in family and culture,” director Luz Ladrillono said. “Hearing Latin music and hip-hop fusion (gets everyone) tapping to the beat and shaking their maracas.”
Other Madison actors are Kayla Braxton, Amanda Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson II, Cameron DuVall, Joel Kreipe, Basia Marotta and Jonathan Smith. Dancers/choreographers are Nikki Ahlf, Hope Keys, Olivia Knowling, Eliese Roberts, Elena Gimenez and Gabriella Gonzalez.
Also from Madison are dancers Nic Kumme, Briana Caudle, Fernando Vargas, Brianna Alexander, McKenna Barlow, Siva Henderson, Brittney Quach, Elizabeth Worsham, Alec Dauma, Jason Lightfoot, Kody Smith, John Michael White and Danny Wesolowski.
Staff includes assistant directors Gianna Gimenez and Miguel Ladrillono, technical director Lynn Broad and music director Newt Johnson.
Show times are June 22-24 and 28-30 at 7 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. on June 23 and 30. Tickets are $20 or $18 for students and seniors. The dialogue includes mature language. For information, visit LyriqueMusicProductions.org.
